BLOCKED drains, fallen trees and unkempt footpaths are all just part of a day's work for local hero Phil Venning whose new role as a parish lengthsman has been welcomed by villagers in Stogursey.

Phil was appointed in January as part of a pilot scheme operated by EDF Energy and co-ordinated by Stogursey district councillor Chris Morgan.

His job is to tackle all manner of general maintenance tasks around the parish, some of which are suggested by local residents, keen to make the most of the new service.

During the colder months, Phil, who is employed by Cannington company Greenslades Grounds Maintenance, worked hard locating and clearing blocked drainage channels and drains.

His work helped to alleviate a number of flooding issues and kept previously flood-prone roads clear.

But as the weather improves, his work switches to the more seasonal tasks of grass cutting, highway sign maintenance and the upkeep of the footpath network in collaboration with the county council and parish council.

Cllr Morgan said: "Phil's approachability and willingness to assist has already made him a welcome face in the villages and hamlets within the scheme area.

"Many residents have commented to me how nice it is to have someone available to tackle these seemingly small issues that make a real difference to the area."

Phil himself said he was enjoying the wide variety of work across Stogursey, Shurton, Burton, Knighton and Wick: "It's pleasing to know that people really appreciate what I'm doing," he said.

David Eccles, head of EDF Energy's Bridgwater office, said the firm's support for the scheme showed it was trying to be a "good neighbour" to people living closest to the Hinkley Point site.

The scheme also makes use of cutting-edge battery powered tools, reducing emissions, noise and disturbance in the work area.